J.K. Rowling Writes Cassidy Stay a Letter as Dumbledore

J.K. Rowling Wrote to a 15-Year-Old Shooting Survivor as Dumbledore

After 15-year-old Cassidy Stay tragically lost her parents and four siblings in a shooting, she quoted Dumbledore from the Harry Potter series at the service — and a month later, J.K. Rowling wrote Cassidy a letter as Dumbledore. Cassidy's uncle shot her family members in their home after he wasn't told where he could find his ex-wife, and Cassidy reportedly survived by pretending she was dead. During the service, she spoke and quoted Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, saying, "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. I know that my mom, dad, Bryan, Emily, Becca, and Zach are in a much better place and that I'll be able to see them again one day."

Cassidy's heartbreaking story made headlines, and a Facebook page was created in hopes that the young girl could meet Rowling. This week, the page confirmed that the author wrote Cassidy a handwritten letter in purple ink — from "Dumbledore." Rowling also sent her a wand, a Hogwarts acceptance letter, and a signed copy of the book she quoted. In the news clip below, you can learn more about Cassidy's story and watch her bravely speak about her family, quoting Dumbledore.